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en-usCopyright 2015 AOL, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/29/halo-5-kicks-off-multiplayer-beta-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/29/halo-5-kicks-off-multiplayer-beta-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/29/halo-5-kicks-off-multiplayer-beta-today/#commentsHalo 5: Guardians launched its multiplayer beta program today, Microsoft announced. The beta phase was originally planned to arrive a few days ago, but is now scheduled to run through January 18. The program was announced during the publisher's E3 2014 press conference in June and is open to those that purchased Halo: The Master Chief Collection.

Additionally, Microsoft unveiled the bonuses goodies coming to those that pre-order one of the various editions of Halo 5starting today. The $60 standard version of the game includes an exclusive poster, whereas the $100 Limited Edition includes the poster and adds "exclusive items" in a steel book case as well as bonus digital content for the game. Halo 5's Limited Collector's Edition features everything in the other two versions and adds in commemorative statue signed by 343 Industries. Halo 5 is slated to launch in fall 2015. Those missing out on the beta program can watch our archived stream of the game from earlier this month.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-Industriesbetabeta-testhalohalo-5halo-5-guardiansmicrosoftpre-orderpre-order-bonusxbox-oneMon, 29 Dec 2014 10:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/20/pes-2015s-pre-order-bonuses-build-your-team-of-the-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/20/pes-2015s-pre-order-bonuses-build-your-team-of-the-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/20/pes-2015s-pre-order-bonuses-build-your-team-of-the-year/#comments
Those that pre-order Pro Evolution Soccer 2015 in the UK will receive some bonus goodies, Konami revealed. The pre-order exclusives are for the game's new My Club mode, which stands as an overhauled version of the series' Master League management mode. My Club brings microtransactions to the soccer sim as well, which is where the pre-order bonuses come in.

The exclusive pre-order content was "built around the UEFA Team Of The Year," Konami told Joystiq in an email. The bonuses include "10,000 Game Points, 10 Recovery Items to assist the fitness of the squad, and one player picked at random from the team voted by over 5 million people on UEFA.com." Pro Evolution Soccer 2015 is the first in the series for PS4 and Xbox One, and will launch on November 13. A demo of the game will be available on September 17 for each of its platforms: Xbox One, PS4, PC, Xbox 360 and PS3.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>konamimicrosoftmy-clubpcpes-2015playstationpre-orderpre-order-bonuspro-evolution-soccerpro-evolution-soccer-2015ps3ps4screenshotssoccersportsukunited-kingdomxboxxbox-oneWed, 20 Aug 2014 21:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/20/lara-croft-and-the-temple-of-osiris-uk-pre-order-bonuses-announc/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/20/lara-croft-and-the-temple-of-osiris-uk-pre-order-bonuses-announc/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/20/lara-croft-and-the-temple-of-osiris-uk-pre-order-bonuses-announc/#comments
Square Enix revealed a series of retailer-specific pre-order bonuses it has in store for Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris in the UK, including a selection of franchise crossover character skins and items that grant in-game perks.

Players who pre-order Temple of Osiris at Amazon.co.uk will receive the Deus Ex Pack, which includes a unique combat rifle and an Augment ring that gives a 10 percent discount on in-game treasure chests. GAME customers get the Lara Croft Legend Pack, which bundles Tomb Raider Legend-themed skins, a golden pistol, and a health-regenerating Legend ring.

Pre-order the digital version of Temple of Osiris and you'll get the Hitman Pack, granting access to Agent 47's Silverballers, unique character skins, and a ring that deals increased weapon damage. Pre-orders are available up until the game's UK launch on December 9. A North American release date has not been announced.

Pre-order Hyrule Warriors at GameStop and you'll receive a DLC code for the costumes at purchase, while online customers will receive a code via e-mail after the game ships. Club Nintendo members who register Hyrule Warriors by October 23 will also receive a code for a matching Ganondorf outfit.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlchyrule-warriorsn64nintendoocarina-of-timepre-order-bonuswii-uFri, 08 Aug 2014 20:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/26/pre-order-lords-of-the-fallen-for-bonus-weapons-story-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/26/pre-order-lords-of-the-fallen-for-bonus-weapons-story-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/26/pre-order-lords-of-the-fallen-for-bonus-weapons-story-dlc/#comments
Square Enix announced a "Day One Edition" for Lords of the Fallen, the third-person action RPG developed by Deck 13 Interactive and CI Games. The limited edition version grants pre-order buyers exclusive story DLC as well as extra weapons and the game's official soundtrack. Those pre-ordering the game through GameStop will receive a free upgrade to the Day One Edition while supplies last. While there's no clear indication that the special edition of the game is limited to GameStop customers, the game's official pre-order page sure makes it seem that way at the moment.

The Lords of the Fallen limited edition includes the Monk's Decipher DLC and Demonic Weapons Pack. The latter features three items: The Margyr daggers, a Thehk hammer and the Ihir sword. The game was first shown off at Gamescom 2013 this past August and is scheduled to arrive on October 28 for PS4, Xbox One and PC courtesy of Bandai Namco. It can't seem to escape comparisons to From Software's Dark Souls series; at least that was a main takeaway from our time with the game at E3.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bandai-Namcobonusci-gamescity-interactiveday-one-editiondeck-13demonic-weapons-packDLCLimited-Editionlords-of-the-fallenmicrosoftmonks-decipher-dlcpcplaystationpre-orderpre-order-bonusps4Square-Enixweaponsxbox-oneSat, 26 Jul 2014 09:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/15/get-double-the-sting-for-pre-ordering-wwe-2k15/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/15/get-double-the-sting-for-pre-ordering-wwe-2k15/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/15/get-double-the-sting-for-pre-ordering-wwe-2k15/#comments
Iconic WCW wrestler Sting was revealed as a pre-order bonus for WWE 2K15 during last night's episode of Monday Night Raw. Both Sting's blonde-haired "surfer" gimmick from the late 1980s and early 1990s as well as his black and white-painted "crow" outfit will be available to play in the game by pre-order customers.

WWE 2K15 will launch October 28 in North America and October 31 internationally for Xbox One, PS4, Xbox 360 and PS3. It's the first WWE game to debut on the next-generation systems, and also the first to be co-developed by series veterans Yukes and Visual Concepts, developer of the NBA 2K basketball series. The game's cover will feature John Cena, though it's unknown if 2K Sports will wise up and put Sting on the cover for pre-order buyers.

There are a lot of character figurines for Disney Infinity, and we imagine it will be the same story with Disney Infinity 2.0: Marvel Super Heroes. At least Infinity fans can save some cash by picking up Marvel Super Heroes through the right store: In exchange for pre-ordering the $74.99 Starter Pack, select retailers in both the UK and the US are offering one free Super Marvel Heroes figurine to help grow hero-filled collections.

While GAME's listing states that customers can choose between Nick Fury, Hawkeye or Iron Fist as their freebie, GameStop's offer references a "14.99 value" rather than specific characters. We contacted GameStop to ask which heroes would be offered as a pre-order bonus, but that has yet to be announced. Still, if you already plan on adding Marvel to your virtual Disney sandbox, a mystery freebie probably won't hurt you. Besides, what if it's an Avenger? You're not going to be the one that splits up the Avengers, are you?

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneydisney-infinitydisney-infinity-2disney-infinity-2.0disney-infinity-marvel-super-heroesfree-figurinemarvelpre-order-bonusSun, 13 Jul 2014 18:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/06/02/nhl-15-checks-first-screenshot-pre-order-bonuses/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/06/02/nhl-15-checks-first-screenshot-pre-order-bonuses/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/06/02/nhl-15-checks-first-screenshot-pre-order-bonuses/#comments
EA Sports offered a first still image of the next entry in its hockey series today, NHL 15, spotlighting San Jose Sharks center Joe Thornton in striking detail. The game was announced near the beginning of May as the first in the series for next-gen systems, and will include character models with three layers that behave independently: the athlete's body, their equipment and their jerseys. Thornton's jersey certainly seems to be wrapping well to his pads in the screenshot.

EA also recently announced the game's retailer-specific pre-order bonuses. Those heavily invested in the game's Ultimate Team mode will want to pre-order their copy through either EB Games or GameStop, as they will receive $24 in Hockey Ultimate Team gold-level card packs, amounting to one pack per week for 24 weeks. All other retailers will include a similar offer, though limited to $15 in Ultimate Team card packs instead. NHL 15 will launch this fall for Xbox One, PS4, Xbox 360 and PS3.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesevolvegamestopmicrosoftpcplaystationpre-orderpre-order-bonusps4turtle-rock-studiosxbox-oneThu, 22 May 2014 16:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/04/16/pre-order-wolfenstein-the-new-order-earn-team-fortress-2-hats/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/04/16/pre-order-wolfenstein-the-new-order-earn-team-fortress-2-hats/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/04/16/pre-order-wolfenstein-the-new-order-earn-team-fortress-2-hats/#comments
Alternate history Nazi shooter Wolfenstein: The New Order is now available for pre-order via Steam, and Valve has opted to sweeten the deal by offering free Team Fortress 2 hats to anyone who plunks down early cash for the PC game.

Though Valve's announcement makes no mention of what exactly these hats will look like, it does describe them as both "exclusive" and patterned after some element of Wolfenstein: The New Order. Whether that means historically inaccurate pickelhaubes or the combination helmet and gas mask worn by the grunts in this trailer remains to be seen, but, again, these are free bonuses so try not to look this gift horse in the mouth.

Alongside the newly-revealed gratis chapeaus, a pre-order of Wolfenstein: The New Order also grants players access to a beta of id Software's next entry in the hallowed DOOM franchise. However, as we mentioned earlier this month, that beta will only be available to those who pre-order Wolfenstein: The New Order on PC, PlayStation 4 or Xbox One.

Dubbed the "companion" game to Konami's two Lords of Shadow games in the gothic action series, Mirror of Fate first launched in March 2013 on 3DS before undergoing a price drop to $30 in August. The HD version landed on PSN and XBLA right around Halloween, and was also included in November's Castlevania: Lords of Shadow Collection bundle. Our review of the 3DS version of Mirror of Fate found the game equally challenging as it was unevenly paced.

Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 will launch February 28 on PS3, Xbox 360 and PC, at which point Konami will drive a stake through this pre-order deal's heart. Metaphorically, of course.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Castlevaniacastlevania-lords-of-shadow-2castlevania-lords-of-shadow-mirror-of-fatecastlevania-lords-of-shadow-mirror-of-fate-hdKonamiMercurySteamplaystationpre-orderpre-order-bonusps3PSNFri, 14 Feb 2014 10:04:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2013/10/03/ratchet-and-clank-into-the-nexus-hits-ps3-nov-12-pre-order-bo/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/10/03/ratchet-and-clank-into-the-nexus-hits-ps3-nov-12-pre-order-bo/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/10/03/ratchet-and-clank-into-the-nexus-hits-ps3-nov-12-pre-order-bo/#comments
The budget-priced end-cap to this generation's stable of Ratchet and Clank games, Ratchet and Clank: Into the Nexus, will bring zany weapons and robotic antics to the PlayStation 3 on November 12, to the tune of $29.99.

Folks who pre-order from "participating retailers" will receive Ratchet's "Pyronox Armor," which reduces incoming damage by five percent. Amazon pre-orders also include "roughly $30" worth of Ratchet and Clank items for PlayStation Home (according to the PlayStation Blog), though the exact nature of said items is not specified.

Meanwhile, Insomniac also released this faux-VHS orientation video detailing Ratchet's hands-on involvement in the series' development process, including his failed mo-cap suit made out of DualShock 3 controllers.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>insomniacplaystationpre-order-bonusps3ratchet-and-clank-into-the-nexusrelease-dateSCEASony-Computer-EntertainmentThu, 03 Oct 2013 15:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2013/09/19/dragon-ball-z-battle-of-z-delivers-day-one-bonuses-in-early-201/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/09/19/dragon-ball-z-battle-of-z-delivers-day-one-bonuses-in-early-201/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/09/19/dragon-ball-z-battle-of-z-delivers-day-one-bonuses-in-early-201/#comments
Originally announced way back in June, Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Z will bring big hair and even bigger bosses to saiya-jin worldwide in early 2014, producer Kunio Hashimoto revealed during a pre-TGS showcase at Namco Bandai HQ in Shinagawa, Tokyo.

The game's pre-order bonuses and a special Day One edition were also unveiled at the event. Folks that purchase the Day One edition will receive a code to download a special Naruto Uzumaki costume for Goku, which not only gives him a totally sweet headband, but also changes his run and attack animations to mirror those of Naruto Shippuden's titular character. Meanwhile, pre-orders placed at participating retailers include one of two bonus characters: Super Vegito or Super Saiyan Bardock.

Battle of Z is slated to launch on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Vita, although the Vita version will only be available through PSN in North America. Additionally, Vita fighters will have to make due with one voice-over language or the other - English in North America and Japanese in Europe - whereas both options are available on the console versions.

Call of Duty: Ghostsis (literally!) shaking up multiplayer thanks to the Free Fall map, which will be available to customers who pre-order the game. This new "dynamic map" adds "that sort of cinematic single-player experience to multiplayer," Infinity Ward Executive Producer Mark Rubin said in the video above.

Based on a "cinematic moment" from a single-player story mission called Federation Day, the Free Fall map places players into a building which has collapsed and, in the process, become wedged. The "floor" is actually the glass side of the building, and as players fight for supremacy, that glass will give way, and the building will shudder and plummet further toward the ground.

Ghosts isn't often thought of as a horror game, but we'd hate to be anyone with a fear of heights who plays on Free Fall. Yikes.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionCall-of-Dutycall-of-duty-ghostsinfinity-wardmapmapsmicrosoftnintendoplaystationpre-orderpre-order-bonusps3wii-uxboxSat, 31 Aug 2013 14:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2013/08/22/sonic-lost-world-gets-nights-inspired-pre-order-bonus-level/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/08/22/sonic-lost-world-gets-nights-inspired-pre-order-bonus-level/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/08/22/sonic-lost-world-gets-nights-inspired-pre-order-bonus-level/#comments
Players who pre-order Sonic: Lost World will receive a bonus level, Sega announced. Based on Sega's Nights Into Dreams, the level features Lost World's "Deadly Six" antagonists teaming up with bosses from the classic Sega Saturn game.

Once players complete the level, which they can jump into at any time, they are given a special Color ability for Sonic to use.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdeadly-sixDLCnights-into-dreamsnintendopre-orderpre-order-bonusSegaSonicsonic-lost-worldsonic-the-hedgehogwii-uThu, 22 Aug 2013 22:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2013/08/21/rain-drops-on-psn-this-october/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/08/21/rain-drops-on-psn-this-october/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/08/21/rain-drops-on-psn-this-october/#commentsRain, Sony Japan Studio's adventure game that has players guiding the silhouette of an invisible boy through a downpour, will launch on October 1 through PSN, Sony announced. The PS3 exclusive game will cost $14.99.

Those who pre-order Rain before September 30 will also receive a dynamic theme, 5 avatars, a musical montage and static theme in addition to "a few pieces of exclusive content."

Aside from letting Rain's release date slip, Sony also offered up a new developer diary video for the game, which is centered around its music.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquireplaystationpre-orderpre-order-bonusps3rainrelease-dateSCE-Japan-StudioSONYWed, 21 Aug 2013 17:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2013/08/21/driveclub-revs-up-pre-order-bonuses/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/08/21/driveclub-revs-up-pre-order-bonuses/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/08/21/driveclub-revs-up-pre-order-bonuses/#comments
If the stripped-down, free PlayStation Plus version of Driveclub doesn't work for you, these pre-order bonuses for the game just might. By pre-ordering the game at varying retailers, players will be granted access to one of three different car packs for the game: the McLaren 12c pack for GameStop customers, Mercedes Benz SLS AMG Coupe Black Series Pack for Amazon customers and the RUF RT 12 R Pack for those buying the game elsewhere.

Those placing a pre-order at any retailer or via the PlayStation Store will also receive a three-month PlayStation Plus subscription. We have trailers for all three car packs, two of which can be found after the break, which may help you decide where you'll be pre-ordering Driveclub. The game will launch with the PS4, which was given a November 15 release date yesterday.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>driveclubevolution-studiospre-orderpre-order-bonusps4SCEASONYWed, 21 Aug 2013 13:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2013/08/16/saints-row-4-adds-presidential-pre-order-bonus/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/08/16/saints-row-4-adds-presidential-pre-order-bonus/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/08/16/saints-row-4-adds-presidential-pre-order-bonus/#comments
Those who pre-order Saints Row 4 through GameStop or EB Games and pick the game up within 48 hours of its release on August 20 will receive the Presidential Pack DLC, Deep Silver announced. The Presidential Pack offers players the chance to "live out your wildest dreams of being one of the most famous American Presidents or dress up your President like a real American Revolutionary."

Unfortunately, that's the only description available for the bonus content. Aside from what seem to be images of Abraham Lincoln, George W. Bush and Barack Obama masks accompanying the newsletter from Deep Silver, it's not clear what players will get in the Presidential Pack DLC. Amazon.de is also offering the pre-order bonus, and shows George Washington alongside the other presidents.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Abraham-Lincolnbarack-obamaDeep-silverdlcgeorge-w-bushmicrosoftpcplaystationpre-orderpre-order-bonuspresidential-pack-dlcps3saints-row-4VolitionxboxFri, 16 Aug 2013 17:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/24/this-is-madness-gamestop-god-of-war-ascension-pre-order-perk-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/24/this-is-madness-gamestop-god-of-war-ascension-pre-order-perk-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/24/this-is-madness-gamestop-god-of-war-ascension-pre-order-perk-i/#commentsGamestop's God of War: Ascension pre-order bonus is an exclusive multiplayer costume taken from Zack Snyder's 2007 movie 300, because nothing says "brand-new video game based on Greek pseudo-mythology" like a random costume from a five-year-old movie based on Greek pseudo-history.

Specifically, the costume replicates King Leonidas' red cape, helmet and "armor," which we assume is what they're calling his tiny little baby man-shorts. The costume also includes a spear that provides new moves and abilities, as well as a double-sided God of War: Ascension poster. It does not, however, include a pit for disposing of foreign dignitaries or a bottle of chest grease.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>300gamestopgod-of-war-ascensionking-leonidasplaystationpre-orderpre-order-bonusps3SCEASony-Computer-Entertainment-Americasony-santa-monicaWed, 24 Oct 2012 16:15:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/18/halo-4-pre-order-goods-plant-their-flag-in-select-retailers/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/18/halo-4-pre-order-goods-plant-their-flag-in-select-retailers/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/18/halo-4-pre-order-goods-plant-their-flag-in-select-retailers/#commentsIn the old days, we used to just toss our cash upward into the wind, wait 3-5 business days, then find a game waiting on our doorstep. Today, retailers compete for your gaming dollars with pre-order incentives, and Halo 4 is the latest to play into that retail shuffle.

Depending on the retailer you hitch your Warthog to, you'll snag some very different things: Amazon will offer a golden "web" skin for use in multiplayer and a pair of exclusive emblems, while GameStop will offer the customizable "forest" skin for multiplayer. UK retailer GAME is tossing in the blue circuit armor skin, an arctic weapon skin and six specializations - these are further cosmetic tweaks to help you stand out from the rest of the cybernetic crowd.

Other specific UK retailers have their pre-order items listed past the break, like Blockbuster (you guys still have those over there?). And if you're really looking to buy everything with Halo 4 printed on it, the soundtrack and special editions are also tempting offers.

Halo 4 launches on November 6 worldwide, exclusively for the Xbox 360.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriesamazongamegamestophalo-4hmvmicrosoftmicrosoft-studiosplaypre-orderpre-order-bonuspre-ordersxboxTue, 18 Sep 2012 20:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/15/tekken-tag-tournament-2-receiving-over-100-swimsuits-as-pre-or/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/15/tekken-tag-tournament-2-receiving-over-100-swimsuits-as-pre-or/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/15/tekken-tag-tournament-2-receiving-over-100-swimsuits-as-pre-or/#commentsBikini downloads in fighting games must be the "in" thing to do these days, because Tekken Tag Tournament 2 will be following in SoulCalibur 5 and Dead or Alive 5's footsteps, offering "over 100 swimsuits" in a "big bikini bundle," according to this "Tekken Bad Girls" trailer.

While the trailer frames the costumes as a pre-order bonus, Tekken godfather Katsuhiro Harada spoke of them as DLC during SDCC (according to Andriasang), which indicates that they may be made available to people who don't pre-order at some point in the future. Surprisingly, the bundle includes swimsuits for every character in the game, not just the ladies. And yes, that includes the animals.

All launch copies will include an art book; in addition to that, XSEED revealed the above soundtrack disc as a pre-order bonus from Amazon, GameStop and EB Canada. That's some deluxe treatment for what is sure to be one of the last big Wii games, and it seems to deserve the attention.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Mistwalkernintendopre-order-bonusrelease-datesoundtrackthe-last-storywiixseedWed, 11 Jul 2012 17:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/05/uks-new-super-mario-bros-2-pre-order-bonus-is-a-rad-mario-coin/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/05/uks-new-super-mario-bros-2-pre-order-bonus-is-a-rad-mario-coin/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/05/uks-new-super-mario-bros-2-pre-order-bonus-is-a-rad-mario-coin/#commentsNew Super Mario Bros. 2 has more gold coins in it than the United States Bullion Depository and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York combined, but the only way to extract real, honest, actually completely fake gold from the game is to pre-order it from either GAME or Gamestation in the UK.

The "gold" coin seen above is actually a small case for storing a single 3DS cartridge and is only available as a pre-order bonus from the aforementioned English retailers. By being so pretty and yet so impractical, the coin case satisfies the two most important bling requirements: Flashiness, and superfluousness.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscoincoinsGAMEGamestationgoldnew-super-mario-bros-2nintendopre-orderpre-order-bonusThu, 05 Jul 2012 18:45:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/play-as-stan-lee-rhino-in-the-amazing-spider-man-pre-order-perk/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/play-as-stan-lee-rhino-in-the-amazing-spider-man-pre-order-perk/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/play-as-stan-lee-rhino-in-the-amazing-spider-man-pre-order-perk/#commentsThese two pre-order bonuses for The Amazing Spider-Man couldn't be more different: One has players rampage through Manhattan as Rhino, the hulking, horned villain, and the other has players run around as an old man as he tries to collect some papers he's misplaced, yapping non-stop about "kids these days" and Liza Minelli's golden era.

GameStop's pre-order bonus is The Rhino Challenge, a timed destruction event where players suit up as Rhino and break as much stuff as possible. Amazon's bonus is "Play as Stan Lee for the First Time Ever," and has players travel through Manhattan as the Marvel mastermind himself. He uses special abilities borrowed from Spider-Man to collect pages from his latest script, punctuated by "witty banter." A "special surprise" is revealed at the end of the Stan Lee mission, tied into Spider-Man's 50th anniversary this year.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazing-spider-manamazonbonusgamestopmicrosoftplaystationpre-orderpre-order-bonusps3rhinostan-leethe-amazing-spider-manxboxThu, 10 May 2012 01:15:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/pre-order-black-ops-2-at-gamestop-receive-poster-prestige-toke/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/pre-order-black-ops-2-at-gamestop-receive-poster-prestige-toke/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/pre-order-black-ops-2-at-gamestop-receive-poster-prestige-toke/#commentsCall of Duty: Black Ops 2 has officially existed for barely over a day, and as the internet hype machine slowly begins to whirl up to speed, so too does the uproarious clamor from our nation's retailers, hell-bent on claiming custody over your Call of Duty consumer commitment.

Predictably, Gamestop is the first out of the gate with enticements to earn your dollars, with pre-order bonuses that come in waves - four to be precise - the first of which is active now. Securing your future purchase of Black Ops 2 during the first wave will net you an "exclusive, limited edition two-sided poster," as well as a Prestige token for Modern Warfare 3 and all of the subsequent pre-order bonuses offered during waves two, three and four.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activisioncall-of-duty-black-ops-2Gamestopmicrosoftpcplaystationpre-orderpre-order-bonusps3TreyarchxboxWed, 02 May 2012 14:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/05/darksiders-2-pre-orders-upgraded-to-limited-edition-collector/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/05/darksiders-2-pre-orders-upgraded-to-limited-edition-collector/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/05/darksiders-2-pre-orders-upgraded-to-limited-edition-collector/#commentsDon't be fooled by the fancy-dancy nomenclature, when THQ says "Limited Edition," what it's actually saying is "pre-order bonus." All existing and future pre-orders for Darksiders 2 will be automatically upgraded to the Limited Edition version, which is just the standard version and a packed in DLC voucher.

THQ's press release describes the DLC in question, "Argul's Tomb," as "the game's first single-player downloadable content pack." It also states that the Limited Edition voucher can be used "once [the DLC] becomes available," implying that it may not be released on day-one.

Furthermore, a $99 pre-order-only Collector's Edition of the game has also been announced, which includes a DLC voucher, life-sized Death Mask with stand, exclusive in-game armor and scythe set with "enhanced stats," a "digital version" of the soundtrack, and a hardcover art book. We can't wait; this is exactly what we need to finish our Casey Jones costume.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>collectors-editiondarksiders-2DLCmicrosoftpcplaystationpre-order-bonusps3THQvigil-gamesxboxMon, 05 Mar 2012 13:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/22/europeans-get-their-own-transforming-weapon-for-final-fantasy-xi/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/22/europeans-get-their-own-transforming-weapon-for-final-fantasy-xi/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/22/europeans-get-their-own-transforming-weapon-for-final-fantasy-xi/#comments
What is it with Square Enix and transforming weaponry? Gun swords and bow swords and now a spear sword? What's next, a gun that shoots swords? Actually, that doesn't sound half bad, but we digress.

Not to be mistaken with GameStop's PowerUp Rewards member-exclusive transforming Genji Bow, the above weapon will be available to those who pre-order Final Fantasy XIII-2 from select European retailers, Square Enix reveals. It's the Muramasa, a combination dual-blade and spear weapon for Noel that increases chain bonuses in battle.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcfinal-fantasy-xiii-2muramasapre-order-bonusrpgsquare-enixTue, 22 Nov 2011 18:02:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/12/valve-offers-heavy-outfit-for-saints-row-the-third-pre-order/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/12/valve-offers-heavy-outfit-for-saints-row-the-third-pre-order/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/12/valve-offers-heavy-outfit-for-saints-row-the-third-pre-order/#comments
To be a generic character in Team Fortress 2 nowadays is a constant humiliation, we're sure. But if you're a Heavy kinda guy -- er, rather, you like to play as the Heavy in Team Fortress 2 -- then you may wish to know about the gear that sparkly chap above is rocking.

Valve's skills of synergy have culminated in a new Saints Row-themed Heavy outfit. If one were to, say, pre-order Saints Row: The Third on Steam, then, say, their Heavy could wear a diamond-encrusted Luchador mask and wield giant, diamond-encrusted boxing gloves in Team Fortress 2. Actually, that's exactly what Valve is saying. That's the deal. That's exactly how this works.

Oh, we forgot to mention the tasteful sweater vest, too. You know, in case all of those diamonds didn't properly convey the classiness of this ensemble.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcpcpre-order-bonussaints-row-the-thirdsteamTeam-Fortress-2thqvalveSat, 12 Nov 2011 05:45:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/09/pre-order-dungeon-defenders-on-steam-get-a-portal-gun-and-tiny/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/09/pre-order-dungeon-defenders-on-steam-get-a-portal-gun-and-tiny/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/09/pre-order-dungeon-defenders-on-steam-get-a-portal-gun-and-tiny/#comments
Valve loves itself so much that it puts its own games into other studios' work on Steam -- we don't want to call it incestuous, but, well. It's kind of incestuous.Dungeon Defenders is the latest victim game to have a healthy Valve infusion, with pre-orders getting The Aperture Science Handheld Portal Device for the Huntress class and four Team Fortress 2 familiars, Heavy, Medic, Engineer and Pyro. Check out how these goodies work above and pre-order Dungeon Defenders on Steam, if you're into that sort of thing.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dungeon-defendersincestpcportalpre-order-bonusSTEAMTeam-Fortress-2valveSun, 09 Oct 2011 18:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/03/final-fantasy-xiii-2-has-a-boss-pre-order-bonus/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/03/final-fantasy-xiii-2-has-a-boss-pre-order-bonus/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/03/final-fantasy-xiii-2-has-a-boss-pre-order-bonus/#comments
Well, only Amazon's is literally boss, but other retailers have stuff too. If you pre-order Final Fantasy XIII-2 from Amazon.com, you'll get the "Omega Boss Battle," an exclusive "coliseum battle" that adds Omega to your party after completion.

Best Buy is bundling a hardcover book with pre-orders, containing "Final Fantasy XIII -Episode i-," a novella connecting the stories of FFXIII and XIII-2. And GameStop offers ... a new costume for Serah! That last one is maybe a bit less impressive in comparison with the new playable content and the hardcover book. Final Fantasy XIII-2 will be released in North America on January 31.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonbest-buydlcfinal-fantasy-xiii-2gamestopmicrosoftplaystationpre-order-bonusps3square-enixxboxMon, 03 Oct 2011 19:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/06/gamestop-bundling-resistance-3-with-playstation-3dtv-anyway-if/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/06/gamestop-bundling-resistance-3-with-playstation-3dtv-anyway-if/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/06/gamestop-bundling-resistance-3-with-playstation-3dtv-anyway-if/#comments
In an effort to prove that Sony ain't the boss o' them, Gamestop will be bundling Resistance 3 with each pre-order for the now-MotorStorm-infused PlayStation-branded 3DTV, launching this November. It's also possible that Gamestop is simply honoring its existing pre-orders while sweetening the pot to attract new buyers, but where's the fun in that?

As weird as pre-ordering a television set is, having two 3D-capable games certainly adds a little extra something to deal, and when you're spending $500 on anything it's important to get your money's worth. It will be interesting to see if other retailers follow suit, but considering the fact that this is a 24-inch 3DTV, we doubt potential buyers will have room for anything larger than another disc.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3DTVgamestopmotorstormmotorstorm-apocalypseplaystationplaystation-tvpre-orderpre-order-bonuspreorderps3Resistance-3Sat, 06 Aug 2011 17:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/30/from-dust-pc-gets-ubisoft-drm-steam-pre-purchase-bonus/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/30/from-dust-pc-gets-ubisoft-drm-steam-pre-purchase-bonus/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/30/from-dust-pc-gets-ubisoft-drm-steam-pre-purchase-bonus/#comments
For being such wildly different games, From Dust and Driver: San Francisco sure have a lot in common. They were both recently delayed, for example, and now news has hit that From Dust will follow Driver's lead by making use of Ubisoft's ubiquitous "Ubisoft Online Service" digital rights management platform.

Unlike Driver, however, no announcement was made regarding From Dust's DRMyness; Steam's now-live pre-purchase page unceremoniously broke the news to the PC gaming community. The controversial DRM platform requires a permanent internet connection in order to play any game it governs, and while the company has loosened restrictions on high-profile games in the past, it's unclear whether or not history will repeat itself. For now, take solace in knowing that your pre-purchase will net you a "Mask of the Shaman" item for Team Fortress 2.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>driver-san-franciscoDRMfrom-dustpcPre-Orderpre-order-bonusproject-dustSteamTeam-Fortress-2UbisoftSat, 30 Jul 2011 16:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/11/pre-order-shadows-of-the-damned-and-get-the-damned-soundtrack/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/11/pre-order-shadows-of-the-damned-and-get-the-damned-soundtrack/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/11/pre-order-shadows-of-the-damned-and-get-the-damned-soundtrack/#commentsShadows of the Damned is, among other things, a delivery system for new Akira Yamaoka music. Pre-ordering the game, according to a new announcement, will get you the soundtrack, featuring some new Yamaoka tunes and English punk band The Damned, in an even more convenient format.

Pre-orders of Shadows of the Damned from the EA Store, GameStop and Amazon will come with a free download of the 12-track soundtrack. Amazon specifies that the incentive applies to existing pre-orders, too, so if you've already put money down on the Suda-Mikami grindhouse epic, you're already getting a musical bonus!

You can hear a bit of the soundtrack under the funny voice-overs in this dev diary.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ea-partnersgrasshopper-manufacturemicrosoftplaystationpre-orderpre-order-bonusps3shadows-of-the-damnedsoundtrackxboxWed, 11 May 2011 18:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/11/dark-souls-collectors-edition-offered-as-pre-order-bonus/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/11/dark-souls-collectors-edition-offered-as-pre-order-bonus/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/11/dark-souls-collectors-edition-offered-as-pre-order-bonus/#comments
For those intrigued by From Software's Dark Souls, the decision to pre-order looks like it will be considerably less difficult than the actual game. Rather than selling a collector's edition of the game at a premium price, publisher Namco Bandai is instead offering one as the pre-order bonus -- meaning it's priced at the standard $60.

The Dark Souls Collector's Edition will come in a metal case and will include an art book, mini strategy guide, behind-the-scenes development videos and a download of the game soundtrack. It will be available this October for PS3 and Xbox 360.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>collectors-editiondark-soulsfrom-softwarelevel-up-2011microsoftNamco-Bandaiplaystationpre-orderpre-order-bonusps3xboxWed, 11 May 2011 14:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/06/transformers-dark-of-the-moon-pre-orders-include-virtual-and-ac/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/06/transformers-dark-of-the-moon-pre-orders-include-virtual-and-ac/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/06/transformers-dark-of-the-moon-pre-orders-include-virtual-and-ac/#comments
For those of you who need a bribe in order to be pushed into a purchase of Transformers: Dark of the Moon, Activision has prepared its cornucopia of goodies, divided up by retailer and by console.

GameStop pre-orders for Xbox 360 and PS3 will get you a code to unlock Sideswipe, while Amazonpre-orders get you Ratchet (and a $10 credit). But the Wii and DS games, pre-ordered anywhere, get you actual toys -- Bumblebee with the Autobots game, and Lockdown with the Decepticons version.

Other bonuses announced by Activision include an in-game Bumblebee skin for the 3DS version at Toys R Us, in-game "Deco" character skins for the Wii and DS games at Target, and a, "original, limited edition Transformers: Dark of the Moon comic book" at Kmart and Sears, seemingly not tied to any particular version.

Or you could pre-order from Best Buy and get a "free movie ticket upgrade to 3D." Thrilling.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsamazonbest-buydsgamestopmicrosoftnintendoplaystationpre-order-bonusps3toys-r-ustransformers-dark-of-the-moonwiixboxFri, 06 May 2011 23:04:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/29/red-faction-armageddon-pre-order-bonuses-get-trailered/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/29/red-faction-armageddon-pre-order-bonuses-get-trailered/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/29/red-faction-armageddon-pre-order-bonuses-get-trailered/#comments
If you've got Volition and THQ's upcoming, underground shooter Red Faction: Armageddon on reserve at Best Buy or GameStop, you've got one of two bonus equipment packs coming your way. Check out the trailers and galleries below to see what's included in the Recon and Commando bundles!

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best-buygamestopmicrosoftplaystationpre-orderpre-order-bonusps3Red-Faction-ArmageddonthqvolitionxboxFri, 29 Apr 2011 20:15:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/09/red-dead-redemption-pre-order-bonuses-to-be-offered-as-dlc-la-n/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/09/red-dead-redemption-pre-order-bonuses-to-be-offered-as-dlc-la-n/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/09/red-dead-redemption-pre-order-bonuses-to-be-offered-as-dlc-la-n/#comments
Chances are you didn't reserve and purchase Red Dead Redemption at several different retail locations when it launched last year, because that is something a crazy person would do. If you're missing out on the bonus in-game items offered as pre-order incentives, Rockstar's offering you a chance to complete your collection next week. The Assassin Outfit (which doubles Dead Eye regeneration), Golden Guns Weapon Pack (which increases Fame earned) and War Horse (which is a war horse) are coming to XBLA and PSN next week for 80 Microsoft Points ($.99) a piece.

Rockstar apologized on its blog for the time it took to bring these items to market, citing "unanticipated technical delays" as the cause of the hold-up. It seems they've got the kinks worked out -- the same blog post promises LA Noire's pre-order bonuses "should become available as DLC much, much sooner."

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcla-noiremicrosoftplaystationpre-orderpre-order-bonusps3Red-Dead-RedemptionRockstar-GamesRockstar-San-DiegoxboxSat, 09 Apr 2011 17:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/la-noire-naked-city-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/la-noire-naked-city-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/la-noire-naked-city-trailer/#comments
Rockstar's L.A. Noire will be released with a plethora of retailer-specific pre-order bonuses. GameStop, however, may be offering the most compelling one of them all: "The Naked City" DLC has you investigating the apparent suicide of a fashion model, but in typical noir fashion, nothing is as it seems.

While initially a GameStop pre-order exclusive, The Naked City bonus "vice case" will be available for digital purchase after the game's release. "All of the L.A. Noire pre-order content will be made available for purchase as DLC at some point after the game comes out," a Rockstar representative confirmed. "We have long planned to do this for all digital pre-order items."

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bonusdlcgamestopLA-Noiremicrosoftnaked-cityplaystationpre-orderpre-order-bonusps3xboxThu, 03 Mar 2011 12:50:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/18/infamous-2-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/18/infamous-2-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/18/infamous-2-release-date/#comments
The identity of the gaming industry's first big 2011 summer blockbuster has been revealed: Sony Computer Entertainment and Sucker Punch Productions have announced that the follow-up to 2009's ionically-charged sandbox title, inFamous, will hit U.S. store shelves on June 7. The publisher also confirmed that the inFamous 2 Hero Edition is a real thing you'll be able to buy for $99.99, which nets you the game, an 8.5-inch statue of Cole, a replica messenger bag, a mini-comic, the game's soundtrack and a bevy of vouchers for downloadable content.

If you want to snag said content without springing for the deluxe edition, it's been broken down piecemeal as pre-order bonuses from various retailers:

Folks who reserve the game on Amazon will get the 24K Gold version of Cole's "Amp" weapon.

Shoppers at Best Buy can grab a character skin modeled after inFamous' antagonist, Kessler.

Pre-orders at GameStop net you the telekinetic "Lightning Hook" power.

Personally, we think it's totally awesome that they chose to release the game on the first day of E3, ensuring that we'll have to go the better part of a week after its release without playing it. We hope you guys don't mind showing a little solidarity by holding off your enjoyment until we get back. (Or, at the very least, just don't Tweet about it. Please?) Check out all the pre-order bonuses and pack shots you can handle in the gallery below!

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>inFamous-2playstationpre-orderpre-order-bonusps3release-datesony-computer-entertainmentsucker-punchFri, 18 Feb 2011 11:28:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/16/dreamcast-collection-bonus-vinyl/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/16/dreamcast-collection-bonus-vinyl/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/16/dreamcast-collection-bonus-vinyl/#comments
Though we still lament the all-too-early demise of the late, great Sega Dreamcast, its maker lets us know from time to time that our unending loyalty does not go unrequited. Case in point: the pre-order bonus item for Dreamcast Collection in Australia. It's a silver record (an ancient audio storage media made of vinyl) containing songs from Sonic Adventure, Space Channel 5: Part 2 and Crazy Taxi in a sleeve that looks like a Dreamcast. Pretty cool, right?

Pretty collectible, too, no doubt. The Sega Europe Blog has a bunch and intends to give them away in an upcoming contest. Hopefully, foreign fans will get a shot at them -- hey, we can dream, right?